Statin Therapy Management

Introduction to Statin Therapy

The American College of Cardiology recommends that if persistent muscle symptoms are determined to be unrelated to statin therapy, statins should be continued or reinitiated since the symptoms are not caused by the statin 1, 2

When patients develop moderate muscle pain on statin therapy, the correct approach is to discontinue the statin, evaluate for other causes, then consider reinitiating at a lower dose or the original dose, as recommended by the American College of Cardiology 1, 2
The American College of Cardiology recommends evaluating muscle symptoms initially, at 6-8 weeks after starting therapy, and at each follow-up visit 1, 2
After resolution of symptoms, patients can usually be treated with a statin without harm, though with careful monitoring, according to the American College of Cardiology 1, 2

If symptoms are caused by the statin, the American College of Cardiology recommends discontinuing the statin, evaluating for other causes, and considering rechallenge at a lower dose 1, 2